Is it true that when dogs get old and are going to die that they will wander off intentionally?

Answer 1

NO, although when feeling really poorly they may wander off if there is too much commotion and want a peaceful and quiet reprieve

Cats on the other hand WILL often wander off to die if they have outdoor access. Often they are either confused or looking for a safe and quiet place to hide if they are suffering. I know of a number of friend's cats who were struggling with illnesses and would hide in bushes around the neighborhood ... it got to the point where the pets felt pretty bad and also the owners couldn't even find them anymore.

p.s. Coming back to this entry, It makes me laugh how so many folks have given my post a "thumbs down" as if they are expert "animal behaviorists". I've had so many domesticated pets over the years and seen so many different animal situations that when I share, I do so from my own actual experience and knowledge. Sorry to the know-it-all-wanna-be-veterinarians, I DO sometimes know what I am talking about, even if it only pertains to my own life experience. :-)

Answer 2

Dogs don't wonder off to die. He sounds confused and he may have gotten disoriented and can't find his way home. Rally the troops and get yourself outside to look for him. If he has been a good friend to you then you need to be a good friend to him now when he needs you most. And when you find him load him up in the family van and take him to the E vet. That's my opinion. RE your update: If there is a 4 story cliff out there in the dark why in the world would you let your debilitated dog out without a leash to be chased off the cliff into the river below by some wild animal. Your sick dog hasn't got a chance in well you know where of defending its self against a wild animal. Kudos. Did you let your healthy GS out in the dark to get lost or just the old sick guy. And its Coyote.

Answer 3

Well.. if a dog is allowed to roam free, it's likely that when it's time to die it might seem that he has wandered away to die. But generally when dogs die of old age, and are house dogs, they die where they are, at home.
Likely in the wild they would wander away to die, so that they didn't bring predators around the pack.. Pack preservation.. But when they are domesticated and live with families that they love they tend to stick close and die at home.

Answer 4

By natural instinct most all animals will remove them selves from the main stream of traffic and distraction. I do not think they should be allowed to wander off. We don't let our dogs wander ever so I sure as heck are not going to let them wander off sick and suffering.

Answer 5

Yes, some animals do. Some don't. It also depends on what is wrong. And sometimes a day before death, they will have a sudden burst of energy and interest in life (this can happen to people too), then pass away the next day.

Answer 6

Yes, it does happen often. My daughter had a 14 yr old golden retriever. He was an outside dog. One day he just disappeared. They knew he probably went off somewhere to die.

Answer 7

Its not a question of yes or no, but it depends of breed, temperament and personality. If the dog is more independent, it very well might wander of by itself, but for a highly social dog, the fear of death will very well bring it to stay close to its master.

Answer 8

No that is not true. At least in most cases it is not. My aunts dog is really old and when he went to go get put down, he perked up and was closer to her then ever. If you are a bad owner they might want to leave, but that is long before death row.

Answer 9

Not necessarily, my dad's one doxie was having problems breathing. My dad knew he was on his way out and tried to rush him on to the vet (nobody wants to see their dog die, especially after having to watch one's wife die the previous month) but the moment he got to the vet, the dog gave it's last breath and passed away.

Answer 10

I know you asked about Dogs, however I know cats do sometime. I found this out the hard way..